Oregonians have until April 30 to get health coverage

(OPB) Oregonians have until April 30 to enroll in a health insurance plan under Cover Oregon. The state is granting residents another month because of technical problems with the state's health exchange.

The state announced a "special enrollment period" for Oregonians last week. That means residents will have more time to apply for a health plan through Cover Oregon.

Nearly 180,000 Oregonians have enrolled in coverage through Cover Oregon and over 56,000 of those enrolled in private health plans.

Amy Fauver is with Cover Oregon. She says the state has seen a spike in applications because of the extended deadline.

“Though we encourage people to apply now you know, and to not wait until the end of that period, but to get in their applications in as soon as possible," Fauver says. "If Oregonians apply through Cover Oregon by April 30 and then enroll in a plan, they will not be subject to the federal tax penalty.”

Fauver says the state is rolling out a last minute one million dollar ad campaign to boost enrollments.